While Blake Shelton got most of his headline set in at Country Jam USA on July 24, the lightning that drifted in the distance eventually turned into a tornado watch shortly before 11 p.m. Regardless, Shelton delivered a top notch show for roughly 90 minutes. Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope also offered strong sets on a hot and muggy evening.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at Examiner!

Country Jam USA returned to Eau Claire, Wis., for its 26th year on July 23. The opening day featured Lady Antebellum’s “Wheels Up” tour with Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt in tow. Granger Smith, Elizabeth Lyons and The Dweebs also performed on the main stage, while The Dweebs and Sasha McVeigh also worked the Miller Lite Stage. A third, Clearwater Stage, saw Tim Sigler perform during set changes to ensure the music never stopped. Kudos to the stage crew that dimmed the lights promptly as each artist was supposed to take the stage–and then they did.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at Examiner!

Celebrating his 25th year as a performer, country musician Alan Jackson played to a capacity crowd at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis., on May 8. Relative newcomers Jon Pardi and CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Brandy Clark opened the show. The tour is close to wrapping up and concludes next weekend with shows in Salt Lake City and Denver.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at Examiner!

Country musician Kip Moore packed the historic Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wis., on Valentine’s Day. Moore is currently rapping up the final few U.S. dates before heading off to the U.K. for a brief stint–his first. Canaan Smith opened the show.

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Country musician Chris Young took a break from his co-headline tour with Lee Brice to perform at North Star Mohican Casino in Bowler, Wis., on Feb. 13. Young played without an opening act for a fun-filled, 85-minute set.

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Brad Paisley is currently wrapping up the final leg of his Country Nation World Tour. He pulled into the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb, Ill., for a sold-out show on Feb. 5. The show also featured The Swon Brothers and Parmalee for a complete evening of country music that commenced at 7:30 p.m.

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Brantley Gilbert’s ‘Let It Ride Tour’ made its way to Madison, Wis., on Thursday, October 16. Gilbert brought along tour-mates Brian Davis, Chase Bryant and Aaron Lewis to the Alliant Energy Center to share the stage. Nashville DJ Hish, located near the soundboard, spun country, pop, and rock tunes as the fans filtered into the coliseum.

Touring in support of his latest album, “Just as I Am,” Gilbert brought a solid performance to the Alliant for a 90-minute headline set. Always energetic, he worked every inch of the stage while frequently slapping hands with near the front. He hit the crowd early with hits “My Kinda Party,” “Kick It in the Sticks” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.”

Aaron Lewis joined Gilbert on stage for “Dirt Road Anthem” with Lewis contributing during the chorus. Lewis provided a good pairing for the tour, and definitely brought in a handful of fans who know him as frontman for Staind. Gilbert and Lewis hugged to finish the song then Gilbert diffused a skirmish in the crowd, stating “if you can’t get along with the dude standing next to you move, we don’t fight indoors.” Openers Chase Bryant and Brian Davis later returned to the stage to assist on “Small Town Throwdown.”

Gilbert slowed thing down mid-set for a stripped down performance of “Grown Ass Man.” He prefaced the song with, “This next song means a lot to me, it’s about being who you are.” He followed with a song for the ladies, “She’s My Kind of Crazy.” Gilbert also played hits “Bottoms Up” and “More than Miles” before closing the evening with “Country Must Be Country Wide.”

Joe Nichols is currently touring in support of his latest album, “Crickets,” having already spawned a pair of hit singles including the #1 hit, “Sunny and 75.” Madison’s Star Country 96.3 promoted a free show that featured Nichols at Red Rock Saloon in downtown Madison, Wis., on March 6.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Life is good for the Perry siblings–Kimberly, Reid and Neil. The Band Perry brought their 2014 “We Are Pioneers” headline tour to the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, Ill., on Feb. 20. Their youthful exuberance and positive vibe during their crossover country-rock show was the perfect tonic for a blustery winter evening. Old-school country artist Easton Corbin and Lindsay Ell provided support.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Currently providing direct support for Lady Antebellum on the 2014 “Take Me Downtown” tour, Kip Moore performed a headline show in Milwaukee during a break between tour dates on Feb. 8. Fans packed into The Rave to catch the rising country star. John Hyde and Chris Cavanaugh rounded out the lineup on Saturday night.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Country artists Montgomery Gentry performed in front of a sold out crowd at Ho Chunk Casino in Baraboo, Wis., on Feb. 1, 2014. The duo took the stage at 7 p.m. backed by their six-piece support band, The Wild Bunch. There was no supporting act, simply Montgomery Gentry in all their glory.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Following a brief holiday break, Keith Urban has resumed his “Light The Fuse” tour. The second night of the 2014 leg pulled into Chicago’s United Center on January 10 for an extensive evening of country music. Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch provided support for the show, which began at 7 p.m.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Phil Vassar performed the second of two consecutive sold-out shows at Northern Lights Theater in Milwaukee, Wis., on December 5. The intimate venue located at Potawatomi Casino offered a great setting for the country music artist who could easily call Wisconsin his second home. He performs again tonight in Madison at the Barrymore Theater.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Brad Paisley’s “Beat This Summer” tour has transcended into spring and is alive and well as the nation settles in for winter. A number of semis pulled into the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, Ill., on Nov. 15 for arguably the best country show on the road. Chris Young remains on the bill providing direct support while recent winner of The Voice, Danielle Bradbery, is opening the show on this recent leg of the tour.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Country artist Billy Currington brought his 2013 tour to the Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wis., on Friday, Oct. 11. The veteran star is touring on his first new music in three year, having released “We Are Tonight” a few weeks ago. The albums lead single, “Hey Girl” topped country radio and Currington drew a crowd that filled the theater.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Country superstar Tim McGraw and rapper Nelly both performed in Milwaukee at Summerfest on July 5. Unfortunately, their paths did not cross as both stars headlined different stages at roughly the same start times. That put an end to rumor of a potential on-stage collaboration of Nelly’s “Over and Over.”

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Luke Bryan rode his Dirt Road Diaries Tour into the Marcus Amphitheater to another sell-out. The show featured a trio of Academy of Country Music Award winners with Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line opening the show. Plenty of denim and cowboy hats moved through the Summerfest grounds during the afternoon, eventually converging upon the Amphitheater around 7 p.m. Fans were treated to a spectacular light show and fantastic audio mix that spilled into the mist-filled air.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Country USA in Oshkosh, Wis. opened on June 25 at Ford Festival Park after torrential showers made parking conditions hazardous. The resulting gridlock after local authorities closed off on-site parking put a damper on the festivities. The annual country jam featured headliner Eric Church, while Gloriana, Ayla Brown, Geoff Landon and Cal Stage also performed on Tuesday.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Tim McGraw pulled into the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, May 3. The packed venue was the second night of the 2013 “Two Lanes of Freedom” tour, the album of the same name hit the streets in February. McGraw is riding high, coming off last year’s “Brothers of the Sun” tour with Kenny Chesney–one of the top grossing tours of 2012. Brantley Gilbert provided support while Love and Theft opened the show.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

The Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. had a packed house for Jason Aldean and his 2013 “Night Train” tour on March 21. Fans realized they were in for a treat as a dozen tour semis lined the parking lot leading into the Alliant. Thomas Rhett opened the show with a fast-paced, 30-minute show. Jake Owen followed with a well produced, lively performance that ensured the crowd was primed for Aldean.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

The monstrous 2013 “Night Train” tour chugged into Madison, Wis. at the Alliant Energy Center on Thursday, March 21. Jake Owen brought his sweet summertime vibe, hoping to kick-start a chilled crowd still frozen despite the arrival of spring. Opening for Jason Aldean, Owen did just that with great energy and songs about sunshine, bare feet and margaritas.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Due to Dry Weather Conditions, a Burn Ban in Effect for Festival;
New Shuttle Service Offers Transportation To and From Festival Grounds

Twin Lakes, WI (July 17, 2012) – With only a few short days to go, Country Thunder is ready to roll into Wisconsin and kick up some serious dust. Festival organizers are pleased to announce Country Thunder is a complete sellout! The premier country music festival, to be held in Twin Lakes, Wis., this weekend (July 19-22), will feature performances by some of today’s hottest country artists, including Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Steve Holy, Easton Corbin, Hunter Hayes, Wade Bowen and more. Country Thunder 2013 renewals currently available.Visit www.countrythunder.comor call (866) 802-6418 to reserve tickets today.

Currently, Kenosha County is under dangerous fire conditions therefore until further notice, OPEN FIRES ARE BANNED. *Propane grills are currently still allowed, but not charcoal. Fireworks or careless use of smoking materials at Country Thunder is strictly prohibited. Please pack accordingly.

Country Thunder is also excited to have Lake Geneva Hotels and The Brat Stop in Kenosha, Wis., on board. They will be providing patrons with a shuttle service to and from festival grounds. Shuttle service from the Lake Geneva Hotels is available only through a hotel stay combo package. The Brat Stop in Kenosha will be offering a shuttle service twice a day for $20 round trip. For scheduling and purchasing information as well as a list of nearby hotels, visit www.wisconsin.countrythunder.comand go to the information tab.

Kick off your cowboy boots and strap on your dancing shoes for Electric Thunder, a new attraction for patrons featuring electric music brought to you Friday, Saturday and Sunday night by DJ Du from 10:30pm to 2am. Don’t miss Electro Country Shine Thursday night from 10:30pm to 2am. Electro Country Shine is a private after party, but a limited amount of passes will be available day of show only, no advance passes will be sold. In addition, this year’s festival boasts asling shot thrill ride and over 50 food and merchandise vendors

Campers can load in starting Wednesday, July 18th at 9am and gates will close promptly at 10pm. Front gate hours are Thursday-Sunday 9am-10pm CST.

Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is just under a week away and marks the midway point of the summer festival season. For the Twin Lakes Country Thunder, there are always a couple things you can count on while attending the 4 day country fest. First is the heat, which has been lingering in the Midwest for the past 15 days or so. Second is the rain; as it always rains at least one day over the 4 days and creates mud puddles in the campgrounds, but no one seems to mind. The third is the fantastic music Country Thunder draws to the Midwest. This year could be the best line-up to date as Big & Rich, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, and Toby Keith headline. Yet, the only thing that may not happen this year is the rain, but maybe Country Thunder will be what draws the much needed rain to the Midwest.

Currently the County of Kenosha is under dangerous fire conditions therefore as of yet:
OPEN FIRES ARE BANNED
No campfires, grilling with charcoal or wood,
Fireworks or careless use of smoking materials at country thunder is strictly prohibited.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Stages

Last year was the first year the second stage, the Frat House, was added during the day and included performers such as Steal Magnolia and Jason Jones. The stage was a saving grace as the previous artists mentioned were scheduled to perform on the main stage, but the rain forced them to play on the Frat Stage under the tent. This year two new stages have been added, minus the Frat House Stage; the GAC Country Thunder Stage and The Electric Thunder stage – schedules for both stage are below. These stages are host to the up-and-comers in country music and a DJ throughout the night until 2 A.M.

While there is a slew of artists performing this year, we’ve narrowed down who we look forward to seeing this year.

Thursday

The FARM is a trio from different parts of the United States. They have a Little Big Town Feel and are opening for Big & Rich. Their debut album, Home Sweet Home hits the stores July 17th. Check them out here.

Big & Rich of course made our list! How can we not “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy?” It was fantastic to see the always energetic Big Kenny in 2010 and now has cohort and Celebrity Apprentice winner, John Rich, is back on stage with him for Country Thunder.

Friday

The Roys are back at Country Thunder again and kick off Friday’s festivities on the main stage with their Bluegrass Country sound.

Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean’s tour stops at Country Thunder and will surely entertain. This is also the return of Jason and Luke on the main stage at Country Thunder. Anyone remember their 2010 performances?

Saturday

Staind’s frontman, Aaron Lewis, recently released his first country album and is now showing country fans he can also be a country boy. This sounds like Darius Rucker’s story…rocker turn country boy, but Rucker has proven himself, but can Aaron?

Easton Corbin is also returning to the Country Thunder main stage with country icon Dwight Yoakam, and headliner Blake Shelton. Blake is experiencing great notoriety with his place on The Voice, and for me, he has bigger shoes to fill as his wife, MirandaLambert, graced the stage 2 years ago and took some time to grab a four wheeler and have some fun with fans in the mud filled campgrounds, so what will Blake do to top that?

Sunday

Country newcomer, Hunter Hayes, is on the bill with country veteran, Neal McCoy. It also won’t be long that Brantley Gilbert will be “just the opener” and headlining his own tour soon. He was recently headlining the Harley Davidson Roadhouse stage at Summerfest in Milwaukee to a packed crowd. Toby Keith brings his Red Solo Cup of fun as the closing headliner of Country Thunder in Twin Lakes.

Country music upstart, Hunter Hayes, packed the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage at 2012 Summerfest in Milwaukee on July 5. Hayes has been setting the country world on fire, pulling in both the pre-teen and pop demographic in addition to a country audience.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Four days into 2012 Summerfest and the music continued to flow despite the midwestern heatwave. Saturday, June 30 saw old-school rockers Scorpions and ZZ Top vying for the older crowd; while Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker performed at the Marcus Amphitheater. The Roots, Three Dog Night and Thievery Corporation rounded out a group of talent that would satiate most musical appetites.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!

Rascal Flatts brought their “Changed” tour to Milwaukee on June 27th and opened the first day of Summerfest in a rocken style. With a catalog of hits that could keep a crowed going on its own, Rascal Flatts brought along one of the most eye pleasing lighting shows I have seen in years. Between the good music, professional light show and great weather you couldn’t help but have a good time. Not even an average at best audio mix wasn’t able to dampen the energy the guys brought to their performance. Link to the bands site bellow for more information and go see Rascal Flatts when they come through your town. In a time when money is tight, its nice to have a sure bet of a good time.

Photos of Rascal Flatts at Summerfest:

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Rascal Flatts headline opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee.

Little Big Town helped kick off the opening night of Summerfest with their blend of flawless vocal harmonies and energetic stage show. Filling an open slot on the current Rascal Flatts “Changed” tour, Little Big Town kept the crowed on their feet and left no question why they are a Grammy nominated band. Llink to their site for more information on the band and up coming tour dates.

Photos of Little Big Town at Summerfest:

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Little Big Town opens for Rascal Flatts on opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

Texas based Eli Young Band helped kick off the opening night of Summerfest with their well written songs and seasoned stage show. As one of the opening acts for the Rascal Flatts Changed tour 2012, The Eli Young band got the Marcus Amphitheatre crowd on their feet and set the bar for the rest of the tours acts that followed. Check their tour dates and photos bellow and catch them in a town near you.

Photos from Eli Young Band’s set at Summerfest:

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

6/27/2012 Milwaukee, WI: Eli Young Band open for Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts on the opening day of Summerfest at the Marcus Amphitheater.

Tour dates:

June 29th Cleveland, OH @ Blossom music Center

June 30th Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lake PAC

July 3rd Ashland, KY @ Summer Motion Festival

July 4th Rogersville, TN @ Rogersville City Park

July 6th Cavendish, Canada @ Cavendish Beach Music Festival

July 11th West Fargo, MN @ Red River Valley Fair

July 12th Chippewa Falls, WI @ Northern Wisconsin State Fair

Go to the Eli Young Bands Official website for more tour dates and information about the band. www.eliyoungband.com

The final day of 2012 Country USA in Oshkosh, Wisc. went off without a hitch as warm weather and good music prevailed. The previous four days of music were punctuated with performances by The Band Perry, Sawyer Brown, Sugarland and Brad Paisley. Saturday, June 23, saw Clay Walker and Keith Urban close out the country music festival in style.

Continue reading the rest of this review (and find more great photos) at The Examiner!